Dylan Borcoli
10-24-2013, 4:15 PM
Regarding lacquer painted, shaker style kitchen cabinet doors. I'd like to better understand the long-term moisture durability of the 1/4" center panel (inside the frame) when it is MDF vs. a paint grade maple veneer with an MDF core. The frame itself would be paint grade maple.
I've had a bad experiences with anything made of MDF. When the finish wears off, or water gets in a crack, the MDF likes to swell up.
I understand the expansion/contraction benefits of MDF, and that it provides a smooth surface for painting.
But I would like to understand if there would be a difference how the lacquer painted MDF vs. the veneer with MDF core would hold up after 10 years on a cabinet that is intermittently exposed to water (let's say for example the cabinet doors right under the sink counter).
Even though they would be painted, I understand that hairline cracks could happen between the frame and panel if it's not primed good enough, which could be a moisture path.
I've had a bad experiences with anything made of MDF. When the finish wears off, or water gets in a crack, the MDF likes to swell up.
I understand the expansion/contraction benefits of MDF, and that it provides a smooth surface for painting.
But I would like to understand if there would be a difference how the lacquer painted MDF vs. the veneer with MDF core would hold up after 10 years on a cabinet that is intermittently exposed to water (let's say for example the cabinet doors right under the sink counter).
Even though they would be painted, I understand that hairline cracks could happen between the frame and panel if it's not primed good enough, which could be a moisture path.